“Extremely disappointing to see someone that I consider a role model refer to themselves as ‘fat’ on a public platform where other girls can also see it,” one follower wrote.

“Lucy I love you but please, you have never been fat in your entire life, there are people who are really fat and really struggle with their weight and maybe they look up to you so please do not say these things even as a joke,” another added.

On Monday night, the actress and singer took to Twitter to address the backlash and apologize for the poorly received comment. The controversy, she admitted, served as an important reminder that her actions have a larger impact than she might realize.

“Sometimes I forget that people are watching everything I do and I say things I don’t mean,” Hale wrote. “I’m extremely sorry if my comment about my weight offended anyone. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. I know people look up to me and I should be way more aware of what I say sometimes. Thanks for all the love and support. Hope y’all can forgive me.”

Sometimes I forget that people are watching everything I do and I say things I don't mean. I'm extremely sorry if my comment about my weight

“I’ve never really talked about this, but I would go days without eating. Or maybe I’d have some fruit and then go to the gym for three hours,” she said. I knew I had a problem … It was a gradual process but I changed myself.”